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Ralph Pokluda

Details

Chappell Jordan Clock Galleries
Houston, TX
Toured In
17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27

Ralph’s interest in clocks was piqued while still in high school, when his grandmother gave him an old family clock in poor repair. After trips to the library to read about clocks and clock repair, and the encouragement of his parents, he was successful in reviving the relic. At a time in the 1960s when ordinary clocks were plentiful and cheap, a young collector was born.

After starting an apprenticeship with Chappell Jordan (an antiques dealer specializing in clocks), he completed his high school education and was one of the many working students at the University Of Houston. He graduated with a degree in accounting after three years as a Geology major, “the degree” in the 1970s in Houston.

After college he purchased the repair department from Chappell Jordan and in 1996 he purchased the sales business along with his business partner Jeff Zuspan, who had apprenticed under him. The business has continued to expand into one of the preeminent clock sale and repair shops both nationally and internationally.

Ralph is involved with various boards of museums and is a frequent lecturer around the country in the field of horology. He is a Fellow in the NAWCC (National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors), and has served in numerous positions within, both locally and nationally. He is also an appraiser on PBSs Antiques Roadshow.

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW is an antiques appraisal event and television production; we do not buy or sell objects, and conducting any business with an appraiser at the ANTIQUES ROADSHOW event is strictly forbidden.

If you decide to do business with an appraiser who has appeared on ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, please keep in mind these tips before consigning or selling an item:

  • Get more than one referral and check references
  • Get valuations of your item from more than once source
  • Compare options between different types of sellers, i.e., a dealer versus an auction house
  • If you are considering consigning an object for auction, be sure to inquire how the item will be priced, the size of the fee, and the expected amount of time the process may take. Find out what will happen if it doesn't sell.
  • Check the appraiser's professional associations (such as International Society of Appraisers, American Appraisers Association, National Auctioneers Association)
  • Consult an attorney before signing a contract
  • Whatever kind of transaction you decide to enter into, always get a detailed written receipt for your records

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW’s pool of experts are professionals with a wide range of experience in the antiques, fine art and collectibles community, and they are from a diverse background of auctioneers, dealers and appraisers.

All ROADSHOW appraisers are independent volunteers who donate their time and expertise to PBS and who pay their own expenses to be on the show. All business transactions are independent from ANTIQUES ROADSHOW.